From Layoff to Lift-Off: My Journey of Transformation and Triumph

The Truth About How I’m Really Doing

I’m in the midst of a transformation, and it’s both scary and exciting.

Imagine this: you’re working at a job you love and have just relocated across the city, reducing your commute from 75 minutes to just 15. You’ve spent months paying off debt and getting your finances in order. Then, just 20 days before Christmas, you’re pulled into HR and laid off—effective immediately. Sounds devastating, right? Well, girlfriend, that was my reality back in December 2023.

Now, fast forward to August 2024, and all I can do is thank God for keeping me. I haven’t missed any meals (though I miss eating crab legs!), and I’m in the midst of a transformation. I got engaged in March (read my engagement story here), surrounded by my closest family and friends. I still buy fresh flowers every month, and my fridge, freezer, and gas tank are full. Yes, I’ve had to call and get the occasional overdraft fee waived. Yes, I’ve had to make payment arrangements from time to time. I went through waves of grief from losing loved ones in 2022, coupled with the grief of losing a job I had for three years, snatched away without warning. Yet, God has kept me.

So, how am I really doing?

To be completely honest, I’m in the midst of a transformation. In some ways, I’m amazed at how I’m surviving. After countless job rejections, going through rounds and rounds of interviews only to still get rejected, and being left on read by people who claimed they wanted to help… I had a revelation a few months ago that led me to make a huge investment in my own business. In the spirit of transparency, a few months ago, I accepted a part-time job at a specialty retailer. The pay? Way too low given my experience and skills. (Though the discount is sweet!) I was turning into the parking lot one day when it hit me: “Why am I selling myself short when this same company paid me four figures for two videos just a few months ago?” Encouraged by my friends, I began to put things in motion to elevate and grow my brand, Janetha Danielle.

So, what does this mean?

I am working on my plan to become a full-time content creator and influencer in the near future. I’m consistently shooting content, learning how to use my equipment, and being more intentional with this platform that God has blessed me with. I truly believe it’s no coincidence that God blessed a country girl from Charleston, South Carolina, with a platform like this to empower women and instill His word through the gifts He placed within me. This is my ministry, and it’s time I treat it as such.

So, what’s next?

I’m launching my YouTube channel this week! Please subscribe here. You’ll begin to see more of me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as I strive to create consistent, authentic and inspiring content. The Sunday Series is coming off hiatus, and if you’re on my subscriber list, you’ll see my name in your inbox on Wednesdays too! Right now, my content reaches about 18,000 people every month. My goal is to do a better job of honoring that 18,000 because I know that one day it will be 180,000 or 1,800,000.

Now, in the spirit of transparency and accountability, YES, I did accept a job offer because I need health insurance and capital to scale my business. I’m taking everything one day and one step at a time, but I know that one year from now, life is going to look completely different. Are you ready to go on this journey with me? Get in, sis. Let’s elevate together.